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Packers Young TE Savors First Touchdown and Sets Sights on More

📍 Cincinnati, OH 

It may have been just a preseason game, but for Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft, it marked a turning point — the kind of moment that connects years of grind to one simple payoff: the end zone.

Lined up in the slot, Kraft broke inside on a slant, created separation, and snagged a bullet from Jordan Love just seven yards from glory. The rest — a dive, a roar, and a touchdown that wasn’t just for the stat sheet.

“The moment I crossed that goal line, it felt like every hour of work, every setback, every sacrifice was worth it. First touchdown down — now it’s time to chase many more for this team,” Kraft said with a quiet fire in his voice.

After being drafted in the third round out of South Dakota State in 2023, Kraft spent most of his rookie season developing behind fellow TE Luke Musgrave. But this preseason, he’s come out sharp — more physical, more precise, and clearly ready for a larger role.

His touchdown capped off a strong offensive drive, one that showcased his chemistry with Love and his emerging presence in the red zone.

Packers coaches have praised Kraft for his growth as a blocker and his commitment to detail. With Green Bay’s offense leaning heavily on two-tight-end sets, his performance could be the key to unlocking more versatility — and pressure — in Matt LaFleur’s system.

For Kraft, it’s no longer about potential. It’s about proof — and plays like this may be just the beginning.

Ex-Packers QB seen as Bengals’ “silver bullet” in return to Green Bay
Green Bay, WI — With the quarterback spot still unsettled, the Cincinnati Bengals are weighing Sean Clifford, a former Green Bay Packers draft pick, as a potential “silver bullet” at Lambeau Field this weekend. Clifford, a 2023 fifth-round selection by the Packers, spent his rookie season backing up Jordan Love before moving to Cincinnati, giving him familiarity with the Green Bay environment and in-game operations. According to team indications, if Clifford is tapped to start, he would likely be paired with a tailored script: quick-game throws, simplified play-action, and half-rollouts designed to limit turnovers and control tempo. On the Packers’ side, the defensive emphasis will be on setting the edge, forcing outside throws, and varying post-snap pressure to disrupt the quarterback’s first read. Sean Clifford: “Returning to Lambeau is a terrific feeling; I miss my time here. They gave me things I haven’t found elsewhere. But this time, we’re opponents — I respect the fans and this organization, and the best way to show that respect is to play my hardest and help Cincinnati leave here with a win.” The Bengals’ final call at quarterback is expected closer to kickoff, but preparing a Clifford-specific plan gives the staff added tactical leverage. With a result badly needed to build momentum, Cincinnati is banking on the element of surprise from a familiar face in Green Bay to swing the game’s pivotal moments.